Epinal, France
Moving to Epinal, France
Last updated on Feb 12, 2023
Summary: Expatriates move to Epinal, France for its rich cultural heritage, its picturesque landscapes, and its vibrant local community. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, its many parks and gardens, and its lively nightlife. Epinal also offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from its historic monuments to its modern shopping centers. With its excellent public transportation system, Epinal is an ideal destination for expats looking to experience the best of French culture and lifestyle.
What do I need to know before moving to Epinal?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Epinal, they said:
"Epinal is a lovely, small city in northeastern France, and a great place to live for those seeking a quieter lifestyle, with fresh air, nature, and quaint buildings. The population is made up mostly of friendly and welcoming locals. As an expat, it is important to be aware of the local language, as French is the primary language used in both everyday life and in business. Having a good network of friends and contacts can also go a long way toward making your move easier. Additionally, healthcare in Epinal is excellent, so it is recommended to check what support is available from the French government for expats," said one expat who made the move to Epinal, France.
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How do I find a place to live in Epinal?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One option for finding a place to live in Epinal, is to use a real estate website such as Se Loger or Pap.fr. Both sites allow you to search for a rental home based on the city, budget, and desired number of bedrooms. Additionally, these sites provide reviews and ratings on each of the available properties. Another option is to use a real estate agent or realtor to help you navigate the rental market in Epinal," remarked one expat who made the move to Epinal, France.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Epinal?
"The typical expat home or apartment in Epinal is typically modern, bright and airy. Most expat homes have large windows, allowing for lots of natural light and plenty of ventilation. Interiors are typically decorated in neutral tones, with warm accents of colour throughout. Kitchens are often equipped with modern appliances and most homes also feature a cozy living space with comfortable furniture and flat-screen TVs. Expat apartments and homes in Epinal are also commonly equipped with balconies or garden access to enjoy the fresh air of France," replied a member in Epinal, France.
What is the average cost of housing in Epinal?
If you are thinking about moving to Epinal, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Epinal is generally in line with the national average. Prices for apartments vary significantly depending on the size and location, but the median cost for a two-bedroom apartment is typically around 850 to 1,000 euros per month. Prices for larger apartments and houses tend to be quite a bit more expensive, but generally no more than 1,400 to 1,600 euros per month," commented one expat who made the move to Epinal, France.
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Should I buy or rent a home in Epinal?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Epinal, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"When it comes to making the decision whether to buy or rent a home in Epinal, the most important factor to consider is how long you intend to stay. If you plan on living in the area for a year or two, renting may be the best option since this will give you more flexibility. However, if you are intending to stay longer than two years, buying a home may be the better option due to potential savings on rental payments as well as increased stability. You should consider the financial costs associated with buying a home in Epinal, such as mortgage payments, as well as additional requirements such as property taxes and upkeep. Additionally, since Epinal is located in a rural area you might look into the availability of public transportation and other infrastructure before making the final decision," commented one expat who made the move to Epinal, France.
What should I pack when moving to Epinal?
We asked people living in Epinal to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:
"When packing for a move to Epinal, remember to bring plenty of warm and layered clothing, since temperatures can drop to below freezing in the winter months. Pack some travel-sized toiletries, since it may be difficult to find what you're used to in France. Make sure you have any necessary medical documents as well as an International Student Identity Card and any other paperwork that might be necessary for your stay. Additionally, it's a good idea to bring a few items to make yourself feel at home, like pictures of your family or other familiar items," said one expat in Epinal, France.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Epinal?
We asked people in Epinal if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:
"It is important to be aware of the cultural customs of Epinal, in order to avoid any potential social faux pas. In particular, it is rude to sit with your legs crossed in public, and making too much noise while eating is generally frowned upon. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully, as it is considered inappropriate to expose too much skin. Additionally, it is important to be aware of social protocol when meeting people; avoid using informal language and address people formally before inviting a switch to more casual language. Finally, it is important to be mindful of punctuality; be sure to be on time for any appointments or dinner dates," said one expat in Epinal, France.
"Several times, the different layout of the calendar (starting on Monday instead of Sunday) made me miss important appointments. I had an appointment at the consulate on a Tuesday, and when I glanced at the calendar to buy my ticket, I saw that it was on the second day of the week so my mind automatically thought "Monday." After 2 hours on the train to get there, the staff informed me that my appointment was the next day, but were kind enough to accommodate my mistake and get my paperwork signed that day. It happened once more after that before I realized why I kept confusing my Mondays and Tuesdays, and now I always double-check the date & day of the week instead of relying on the column under which the date appears on a calendar. Also, when meeting with the mayor's assistant for our pre-marriage interview (so he could customize our ceremony) I accidentally used the familiar version of "you" ("tu") instead of the formal version ("vous"), which resulted in a puzzled look from him and an embarrassed yet slightly amused look from my husband. Fortunately, afterward my husband assured me that my accent made it kind of cute, and that most French people understand when it's a foreigner. The rules on when to use which version are still not crystal clear for me (and I have no idea when one can switch from "tu" to "vous"), and from then on I've always been very careful about how I address people I've just met. Sometimes I even craft my sentences specifically to avoid needing to say "you."," said one expat who made the move to Epinal.
Why do people move to Epinal?
When we asked people why foreigners move to Epinal, they responded:
"Epinal is a vibrant city that offers a culture-rich lifestyle. It is a popular destination for expats looking to make a home away from home, thanks to its distinguished history, stunning natural beauty, and excellent connections to the rest of France. The city has lots of amenities and activities to satisfy any palate, including its picturesque theater, markets, and robust nightlife scene. Additionally, Epinal is well-connected to the rest of France, making it an ideal place to live whether it be for a short-term stay or for the long-term. There’s plenty to explore around the city, and its many lush green spaces make for wonderful days out. With its affordable cost of living and excellent job market, Epinal is an attractive destination for expats looking for a new home in France," commented one expat who moved to Epinal.
"Mostly for work or school. Epinal is home to the only public timber engineering school in France, and also houses some international companies such as Michelin," said one expat.
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How are healthcare services Epinal?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Epinal, they replied:
"Epinal provides a range of healthcare services including an extensive network of local clinics and doctors, as well as several large hospitals that specialize in specific areas of medicine. There are several primary care practices providing general family health services, and a range of specialists based in the city and the surrounding area. These services include both acute care and preventative health screenings, as well as disease management and follow-up care. Furthermore, many of the other facilities in the region provide additional services such as mental health counseling, women's health services, and home-care services. Epinal also provides emergency medical services and access to specialized medical centers for those experiencing life-threatening or rare medical conditions. In addition, there are several pharmacies in town providing over-the-counter medication and other medical supplies," replied one expat when asked about moving to Epinal.
"It's a small town, so most doctors don't use English much. If you must communicate in English, it would help to research some of the necessary terminology beforehand (perhaps write your questions in French)," stated one expat who made the move to Epinal.
What are medical services in Epinal like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Epinal, they replied:
"Epinal offers a wide range of medical services from primary care to specialty care. There are numerous general practitioners, family doctors, pediatricians and dentists in the city who provide healthcare services in both the public and private sectors. In addition, there are several private clinics, homeopaths, and pharmacies in Epinal that offer comprehensive medical services. The city is also home to several hospitals, such as the Centre Hospitalier d'Epinal, which provides a range of services from general medicine to surgery and rehabilitation. The region is also well-served by specialist services such as cardiology and lung disease treatment. Furthermore, Epinal is close to a number of large towns that offer medical services such as medical imaging, laboratory tests, and physiotherapy," replied one expat when asked about moving to Epinal.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
